MANILA, (PIA) — Senator Win Gatchalian is urging parents and local government units (LGUs) to take an active role in addressing the rising rates of teenage pregnancies and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections across the Philippines.
During a recent hearing on the Department of Education’s (DepEd) implementation of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), Gatchalian emphasized the need for the full and effective enactment of the Parent Effectiveness Service (PES) Program Act (Republic Act No. 11908), which he authored and co-sponsored.
He stressed that parents must lead the charge in promoting responsible behavior among adolescents to mitigate the risks associated with their actions.
While pregnancies among adolescents aged 15 to 19 have seen a decline, alarming statistics from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) indicate a troubling rise in pregnancies among very young adolescents aged 10 to 14.
The number of pregnancies in this age group soared from 1,629 in 2013 to 3,342 in 2023.
Gatchalian also highlighted a significant increase in HIV cases, with the Department of Health (DOH) reporting an average of 1,470 newly documented cases per month in the first half of 2023.
Among these cases, 34,415—or 29%—were reported among youth aged 15 to 24.
“We must focus on mobilizing parents—not just through regular meetings, but by empowering them with knowledge,” Gatchalian said.
“Educating parents on how to engage with their children about these issues is crucial in curbing teenage pregnancies,” he added.
To effectively operationalize the PES Program Act, Gatchalian called for collaboration between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the DepEd in engaging Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs).
He proposed that the DSWD coordinate with PTAs to facilitate the distribution of modules developed under the PES program, which is designed to enhance parents’ knowledge and skills in fulfilling their duties.
The PES Program aims to support all parents and guardians in strengthening their parenting skills, promote children’s rights, and encourage positive early childhood development.
Under the law, the PES program is mandated to be implemented in every city and municipality in the country.
By mobilizing parents and fostering collaboration with local governments, Gatchalian hopes to create a comprehensive approach to tackling these pressing social issues. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(PIA file photo)
